The Sentiero del Fiume in Val d’Era (or Val Meria) is rather unique in Lombardy. Halfway between a path and a via ferrata, it is a perfect introduction to the world of via ferratas, and an ideal outing both in the shoulder seasons (given its low altitude) and in high summer (thanks to the cool of the valley's pools).
The starting point is Sonvico (m370), which is reached by car from Mandello del Lario. The Via del Fiume begins about 30 minutes' walk from Sonvico.
The Via del Fiume is a narrow path that follows the deeply cut course of the Torrente Meria, taking us past countless waterfalls, cascades, giant's kettles and clear pools. Now and then a chain or a few steps help us keep our footing in the more exposed places or on stretches of slippery rock.
The canyon ends where the waterfalls of Val d'Era rise before us: to get out of the canyon we have to climb steeply on the left. Half an hour of climbing brings us to the green meadows of Alpe d'Era (m850, 2.15 hours), a quiet, peaceful hollow graced by a chapel; those who do not feel up to the Via del Fiume can easily reach this wonderful clearing by the path to Santa Maria in Val d'Era, which is also the path we take back to Sonvico.
This path, a little airy in places but secured by a sturdy railing, is mostly level as far as the little church of Santa Maria (m664, 45 minutes) and shows off the Grigna Settentrionale in all its bulk. From the church a fine mule track, on a good gradient, takes us quickly back to Sonvico (m370, 30 minutes).
